Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve was initially introduced as a recurring character on the comedy Fibber McGee and Molly. With the growing popularity that Gildy was receiving Kraft decided to create a new situational comedy series based around the antics of Gildersleeve and the happenings in the Gildersleeve household. On August 31, 1941, The Great Gildersleeve premiered and we follow the family as they move from the McGees’ Wistful Vista to Summerfield. The Great Gildersleeve was one of the first “spin-off” series in broadcast history.
Here is that very first episode from 1941 entitled Gildersleeve Arrives in Summerfield:
